SANWO-OLU REITERATES ADMINISTRATION’S SUPPORT FOR ARTS, CREATIVE SECTOR

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The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed the administration’s support for the creative and artistic industries in order to ensure their continued success.

He said that the Lagos State Government’s investments in a range of programs, like as training, workforce development, and the promotion of the arts, among others, demonstrate his government’s dedication to the industry.

After seeing a theatrical production of “Kurunmi,” a drama authored by well-known writer Prof. Ola Rotimi, at Terra Kulture on Victoria Island in Lagos, the governor addressed on Sunday.

Kurunmi examines the concepts of societal transformation, tradition’s supremacy, accountability, control, and responsible leadership.

The stage production took place at Terra Kulture Arena on Saturday and Sunday, September 28 and 29, and featured a sizable cast of 75 young and seasoned performers and crew personnel. Film Productions and Stagecraft Studios assembled it.

Governor Sanwo-Olu watched the play produced by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, and directed by a well-known actor and movie producer, Mr. Oladapo Muyideen, also known as “Lala,” with the help of his Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, and other close aides.

Top executives from First Bank, one of the main sponsors, as well as seasoned Nollywood actors and actresses, including Yemi Solade, Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, and her husband Kazeem Adeoti, were also there to attend the stage performance.

Governor Sanwo-Olu commented, “Kurunmi is a powerful exploration of themes such as the supremacy of tradition, social change, responsible leadership, control, and accountability,” in reference to the stage play’s command performance. The drama centers on Kurunmi, a military commander and general, as he negotiates internal conflict and foreign challenges from imperial forces in the Yoruba kingdom of Oyo, Ijaiye, and Ibadan.

“The play is produced by my media aide, Gboyega Akosile, and directed by Mr. Oladapo Muyideen.

“I firmly believe that our support for the arts and creative sector is crucial for fostering an environment where this industry can thrive. Our commitment is reflected in our investments in various initiatives, including training, manpower development, and arts promotion, among others.”

Commenting on the stage play, Mercy Aigbe Adeoti, who commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for always supporting the art, said: “Watching the play KURUMI tonight gave me a nostalgic feeling! It took me back to my theatre arts days at the university. I really do miss the stage!
“Well done to the amazing cast and crew; it was a great watch! Special shout out to the Executive Producer, Gboyega Akosile, and the Artistic Director, Lala.”

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, sponsored the play’s weekend production in an effort to raise awareness among young people about the importance of good leadership in all spheres of life, preserve African culture and traditions, and promote historical heritage.

It was also sponsored by FirstBank as part of its First@arts program, which aims to support the arts, protect cultural heritage, and offer a forum for artistic expression.

Additional sponsors are Nigerian Breweries Plc, whose Goldberg beer attests to the brand’s ties to the customs and culture of its clientele.